Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 531 - WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR CERTIFICATION
Section 096-531-3 - Classification of Wastewater Treatment Plants
Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024
Wastewater treatment plants will be classified by the Department through the licensing process. Wastewater treatment plants are classified by type (Biological, Physical/Chemical, or Spray Irrigation Treatment System) and grade level following a standard evaluation of the treatment plant. Factors affecting plant classification include design flow, effluent discharge, influent characteristics, preliminary, primary, secondary, tertiary, and physical-chemical treatment, solids handling, disinfection, laboratory, collection system, and system complexity. The Department may upgrade or downgrade an individual treatment plant's classification if the Department finds that its current classification does not properly account for the design, complexity or degree of skill required to operate the plant.
A. Biological treatment plants are classified B-1 through B-5 and include public and private treatment plants that utilize biological treatment as the primary treatment process.
B. Physical/Chemical (P/C) treatment plants are classified as P/C-1 or P/C-2. The Department may assign P/C plants a Biological classification based on size and complexity.
C. Spray Irrigation Treatment Systems (SITS) include private and commercial spray systems classified as SITS-1 or SITS-2. The Department may assign SITS plants a Biological classification based on size and complexity. Municipal and quasi-municipal pond/lagoon systems treating domestic wastewater will be assigned a Biological classification.
